May 30, 2021 | Connors’ Comments
FIRST RACE – A bit cooler – upper 60s … POND JUMPER was parked with cover early, then uncovered near the bottom of turn one and went on to the lead past the 3/8, laid down a healthy pace, held gamely. KEYSTONE THUNDER was uncovered towards turn two, went his third quarter in 28 raw to challenge, trotted on steadily to the wire. CIMERONKEN was three-wide to the first turn then two-wide to the top 3/16, parked a rival a like distance before yielding for the pocket, a trifle loose much of the backstretch, Pocono Pike, OK. DON was in front towards turn one, yielded 3/16, stayed in, evenly between horses late. MAGIC VACATION was second-over from seventh, not tight on cover 5/8, three-wide headstretch, fair. PUERTO RICO backed out to third-over but was never a factor. B YOYO had some speed, then never featured. TYSON was slow to the gate, then broke at the start.
SECOND RACE – Stretch headwind has started … ODDS ON CARLY was outleft and three-wide to the 1/8, worked her way to the lead past the 5/16 while still getting a soft second quarter, increased the speed, enough to withstand AILEY HANOVER. The latter sat third-in, angled out early stretch and was getting closer with every stride late. CHANEL BEACH quickly controlled the racetrack, pushed the winner then yielded for the pocket, had her shot in the Pocono Pike but didn’t have enough late. BYGONE HANOVER stayed in, gapped midbackstretch, evenly. SPICY COVINA never achieved contention. QUEEN Z TAM gapped 3/8, broke to the 5/8. RAINBOW RISING left a big gap until past the ¼, came out first-over, never advanced then fell far back.
THIRD RACE – CAMDEN HILLS wasn’t going to leave, it appeared, but then went up, with cover to the 5/16 to the lead 3/8, held at bay the challenge of INFINITE ZETTE. The latter went right to the front, saw two go by in quarter two, came out again 11/16 and made a good challenge on the turn, tired a little but still a good race. SHAMROCKS moved uncovered just past the 5/8, got cover 11/16 but couldn’t stay with it on the far turn, moving a little better late. GET TO THE POINTE sat in, found room between horses early stretch, OK at the wire. TUFF TO BE LINDY had the early pocket, moved out 3/16 and got the lead 5/16, yielded for the pocket, struggled the last 3/16, reported back with “b.e.” WILLIS THE MAN was never in the main hunt. BY A HOFF HANOVER was leaving but broke early.
FOURTH RACE – SURREALIN was the first to show on the lead, saw two go by then quarter-moved, had a big lead for the last half with a 55.2 second half. BOTTLE ROCKET was three-wide to the 1/8 then two-wide just past the quarter, yielded for the pocket, gapped the last half but still far ahead of the others in a good showing. CHEESEHEAD came out late backstretch and was along for the distant third. JAM THAT GUITAR offered little; OCTAVE also had little to sing about. HURRIKANEKINGCARLO was between horses to the lead past the 1/8, yielded past the ¼, called it a day 11/16. BUTTER UP fell far back.
FIFTH RACE – ARTHUR BOY spotted, moved out raw before the 5/8 and gradually moved up, caught pacesetting TSM PRINCE TRISTAN late. The latter took over at the 1/8, really slowed the half then picked it up, held the lead a long way but couldn’t quite last to the finish. MY SON TY HANOVER moved up into a 4-tuck at the 1/8, came outside on the far turn, was gaining late but too late. WINGMAN HANOVER maintained the pocket, not much left in the drive to the wire. THAT’S ALL FOLKS started uncovered before the half, would have had good cover if he had reached it. JOE EXOTIC was third-over, three-wide 11/16 but didn’t gain much. ENDYMION was away a bit slow, third-over, gapped a gapper. GAVINATOR showed little.
SIXTH RACE – QUICK SIX was outleft and tucked third at the 1/8, stayed in, chose to wait for outside clearance in the stretch, got it towards midstretch and had a big rally to just get the job done. KIANNA went to the stick, accordioned the field somewhat in going four second slower in the second quarter, then sped up again, was holding off the challenge to her left but couldn’t stall the winner. BETTER BID HANOVER went into the pocket at the 1/8, took the Pocono Pike, couldn’t get there. DASH ONE was outside raw at the half, did go in 27.2 down the back but never reached the leader, evenly in the stretch. KATHY’S CHAMP circled an early gapper, struggled at the back of the main pack. DARK MIRAGE broke 3/16, recovered in the slow second quarter, outside on the turn but broke again. COME HITHER never showed much.
SEVENTH RACE – RIPPLESONTHEBEACH moved just before the ¼ and took control, drew clear in the fast ¾, drifted out a bit and was losing ground the last 1/16 but had too big an advantage. MOM’S LITTLE WORLD left between horses, wound up with the early pocket then was third-in, outside 11/16 to retuck in second ¾, kept trying to the wire. SIR LOVEALOT BC moved out down the back, three-wide when a rival pulled to the 11/16 then two-wide when that one tucked in the pocket, couldn’t sustain his move. BOLT POWER left a big midrace gap and was way far behind to the far turn, then showed good speed in the last 1/8. SHAKEALEG HANOVER never factored. BEACH BAYAMA was briefly three-wide early, to the front past the 1/8, yielded for the pocket, had nothing left at the 5/8. BARSTOOLSPORTS couldn’t get around a gapper, then broke headstretch.
EIGHTH RACE – KISS AN ANGEL was three-wide past the 1/8, went on to grab command past the 5/16, had an open lead most of the last half, had the favorite get closer on the turn but drew away when that one flattened. SECRET EDGE made the front to the first turn, had a rival tuck then yielded past the 5/16 for the two-hole, was loose in the pocket the last half but held for second. DEBTORS ADVERSARY moved uncovered 5/8, gained until nearing headstretch, then flattened out. PAINT BY NUMBERS left between horses and tucked 3/16, went to the Pocono Pike, evenly. RUNINOUTOFRSNTORUN moved out into turn two, retucked around a gapper, couldn’t get into the main argument. MISS MAYTRIX couldn’t keep up by the half. TWO PIECE TANLINES gapped, broke past the ¾.
NINTH RACE – JUST MAYBE THE ONE was three-wide leaving, tucked in the pocket 3/16, quarter-moved forcing a similarly-thinking foe to retreat, was hung out in a fast second quarter into the wind but did clear 9/16, went a fast 3/4s then drew off in the last ¼. MARLEY’S GUY went to the lead, was reluctant to yield but did so 9/16, wasn’t threatening the winner but trotted solidly behind that one, far ahead of the rest. CAMPBELLINI showed speed then let the two outside quick starters go, was going to quarter-move but retreated when the winner moved, kept the pocket tight in quarter two, kept reasonably close until the stretch, still was clear in third. SHOW EM ALL LINDY was raw down the back but never got close at all. IMPACTER had some rally from way back. PERSEVERANCE started gapping down the back. ONE DIRECTION (slow starter) and GRAN PARAISO never were involved in the big action.
TENTH RACE – SORTIE was last in the main bunch until the ¾, moved out, got cover but couldn’t go with it late turn, but went wider and had a good stretch move to upset these at $54.20. THISISSHE made the top past the 1/8, yielded off the first turn, gapped in the pocket at the 5/8, better in the Pocono Pike and made a brief lead past midstretch, almost got it all. STOP RESISTIN was outside with cover then in gear 3/16 and went up to the lead past the ¼, went a big third quarter to complete a fast 3/4s and open up a clear lead, but drifted out some and couldn’t quite maintain the advantage. CLARION HALL left, yielded, moved out of third midturn, steadily but not enough. HARNESS AM never factored. ST JAMES GATE was on the run an 1/8 before the start.
ELEVENTH RACE – HIGH BALLER looks like a horse with a lot of ability but is still unsure/rough-going – he was hard to settle in late first turn, moved to second-over then was left first-over, grinded up late backstretch, stayed in place on the turn, didn’t like it when forced three-wide when a foe came outside early stretch, but had a big late burst and got the victory. ICANGOGO was three-wide to the 1/8 then two-deep to before the ¼ in search of the front, slowed quarter two then turned it into a sprint, came home in 56.2 but still was caught. FLIGHT ONEFORTYSIX followed the cover of the winner, finished nicely. BARRYWHITE HANOVER left between horses, tucked third, came raw 3/8 but went wide early on turn two, settled and got a pocket tuck 5/8, outside early stretch, did well but was outkicked. DUE WEST was in front before turn one, yielded to the ¼ for the pocket, couldn’t keep it filled from before the 5/8. BUD TRUCK didn’t have enough for these; nor did BEACH CHIEF.
TWELFTH RACE – TSM PHOTO BUGGER, the 14YO, left assertively to control the throttle, slowed the half, then came home in 56.2 – 28 (something most 14YO pacers can’t do, much less a trotter) for his 58th lifetime win but first since October 6, 2019. MY LINDY WINNER moved out of fourth 5/8 and challenged towards the ¾, got into the pocket on the turn and continued inside, couldn’t reach the greybeard. JACK RULES took until past the 1/8 to settle back in the pocket, then couldn’t keep up in the late-stages sprint. MAJOR IMPACT slid into third before the 1/8, next. NONE OF THE OTHERS ever entered the picture; ICINGON DE CUPCAKE came out on turn two but never factored.
THIRTEENTH RACE – HOW ARE YEE JOHN got in front at the 1/8, got a breather in quarter two, stayed safely clear of all of these the rest of the way. SHOREVIEW yielded for the pocket, outside late turn, narrowed in a little but wasn’t menacing. UNION STATION tucked third, also gained a little late but also never seemed a winner. SOMWHERENBROOKLN N went out behind the parked horse, advanced a little behind that one on the turn then went three-wide, flashed belated pace. THESPYWHOLOVEDME was content to dangle on the rim the whole way, gained a little on the turn then held pretty well. ABSOLUTE INTENT was away last from the rail and never entered the main picture.
FOURTEENTH RACE – BELLOWS BINGE came out at the quarter and displaced the new leader nearing the 3/8, got pressure from CAPTAIN MCKEE around the turn, looked to have disposed of that foe early stretch but was all-out to defeat him. The latter came out from fourth 9/16, reached the leader and battled him around the turn, fell back a little early stretch, then bore out through the lane, but found a late surge and just missed. LINCOLNJAMES was looped between horses, tucked in the pocket, then moved again before the ¼ to get command, yielded to the winner 3/8 and followed that one, to the Pocono Pike, good but a step shy. HESTONS LUCKY CHIP moved second-over but couldn’t go with cover. R U MACHIN ME got by everybody very quickly, then saw two brush by him, faded at the ¾. THE OTHER PAIR were always the last two.
May 29, 2021 | Connors’ Comments
FIRST RACE – Stretch tailwind … ALLI NUI made the top at the 1/8, yielded off the first turn for the two-hole, moved out early stretch and raced home strongly from midstretch for a safe victory. ALIBABA N was three-wide towards turn one, got the lead just past the ¼, set a good pace, couldn’t stall the winner. LITTLE SANDY TOES was out briefly behind cover 5/8 but soon tucked back in, outside in the stretch and just up for third over JUSLIKEAQUEEN. The latter pushed outside leavers to the first turn, stayed in, couldn’t stay with the front two on the far turn. ALL ABOUT AMY and SWEET YOUNG THING never featured. YES DOUBLE DOWN moved raw 5/8 but made little impact before fading.
SECOND RACE – JEREMES GENERAL made the top at the 1/8, commanded the fractions, wasn’t threatened by pocketsitting BAYONET. The latter went away nicely then decided to sit the two-hole trip, to the Pocono Pike, held his ground pretty well. BIG GAME HUNTER gapped a good part of the first half then got tighter and started uncovered early on the clubhouse turn, one-geared until the stretch, then didn’t have quite enough. MEADOWBRANCH FLASH angled two- and three-wide late on the far turn and finished well. BIG TURN ON also sat in, came up the inside for the last check. HEEZ ORL BLACK N didn’t have much in the crucial stages. AMERICA FIRST backed out to second-over nearing the ¾ but immediately started gapping. SPORTY MERCEDES moved outside 5/8 but had little to contribute.
THIRD RACE – POLAK A went down the road from the pole, opened up a clear lead entering the stretch, then held off the late kick of CASH IS KING. The latter worked right to the pocket and stayed connected until late on the far turn where he went a bit loose, outside stretch and was regaining ground late but too late. JOURNEYMAN was in the nearest duo to the top two, outside late turn and just along for third besting HES GONE BADDER. The latter left, briefly had cover then went into the 3-hole past 1/8, couldn’t keep up with the top duo mid-far turn, just failed to hold third. ARTOFFICIAL FLAVOR was far back but got the final check. NEWS WATCH passed overmatched foes. THE OTHER THREE were not equal to going this fast a mile in bottom claimers.
FOURTH RACE – NEEDLESS TO SAY, hard to handle as usual, was three-wide to the 1/8 then two-wide, came out of the first turn on a line but with the lead, was joined by REDHOT ROMEO 11/16 and fought that one through the turn, had three of them coming at him nearing the wire but held with gameness. REDHOT ROMEO vacated fourth 5/8 and reached the leader 11/16, as noted went head-to-head with that one, fell back a little into the lane but fought on with courage. GOLDEN GESTURE was fastest away, yielded for the two-hole, stayed tight, to the Pocono Pike, loomed boldly but hung a little bit late. AN THE THUNDEROLLS angled wide into the stretch, took a while to get going but then closed well. HERE COMES SWIFTY never factored. GRANTOR HANOVER moved outside but soon was gapping cover.
FIFTH RACE – WALTER MITTY left well and took the pocket trip, edged out late on the turn and drew off through the stretch to get Brett MacDonald (no relation to Mark, James, or Anthony) and Taylor Fritz on the local scoreboard. RAGS TO RICHES was far back behind strugglers, moved sharply ¾ and continued three-wide into the stretch, finished very nicely. WORLD ON EDGE came out in the stretch but was outkicked for second. WILDCAT HILTON was between horses leaving and took a tuck third just past the 1/8, outside far turn then ducked in headstretch, so-so. JAHAN HANOVER was three-wide leaving to 1/8 command, went slow with the wind then faster vs. the wind in the middle half, empty in the stretch. COMMANDER HILL never featured. GINGER TREE PETE developed a problem and was pulled up.
SIXTH RACE – SIR JOHN F was three-high to turn one, then had cover, then went on uncovered to the lead at the ¼, had a foe outside pestering but not threatening, drew away from these in the last ¼. WHAT A RUSH was third-over behind dull cover, three-wide ¾, closed well for second. SPLITSVILLE went to the front just past the 1/8, yielded for the pocket, unplugged ¾, not all that smooth late. CRITICAL MASS fanned out wide and had some late trot. CELEBRITY SERENA tucked, came at the ¼ and was moving up when breaking for a few steps nearing the 3/8, recovered but had to ride on the rim, challenged, held her ground well after the troubled journey. KATKIN AND COKE got from last all the way to second-over, but started to gap 11/16. PITTSTOP KIP showed forward speed early, couldn’t keep up late. NATALIE HANOVER also could not stay with the pack.
SEVENTH RACE – DELISHKA N had inner positioning on the two other leavers and commanded the pace, drew off in the last 1/8. MISS TRESSA retucked around a gapper, blocked the second half of the turn, to the Pocono Pike, all-out to get second. SHES SPORTY A left, took the pocket, couldn’t go with the winner on the turn, so-so late. READY SET ROCK was three-wide to turn one then tucked third 3/16, came out raw at the half, paced well in the third quarter but tired in the stretch. TSM ARTEMIS T came raw from last 3/8 and got cover at the half, evenly. ISLAY N was never close, but flashed some speed under the wire. WINNING WORDS broke equipment past the ¼, a fact which hampered her performance.
EIGHTH RACE – BRONZE YANKEE, aided by the fractions, moved out on the second turn and was three-wide 11/16 when cover didn’t advance, to two-wide on the far turn and the strong horse through the lane. RIVER OTTER cleared before turn one then yielded past the 1/8, went to the Pocono Pike and did well to take second from ARCHIBALD. The latter left for command past the 1/8 and continued at a quick clip, got a little tired late. FOREVERHILLREIGN followed the winner’s cover and then was left three-wide early far turn, dropped down to two-wide, was gaining late. O JONNIE was forwardly-positioned but couldn’t get into the main action. KEYSTONE SERGEANT never got close. LIFE WELL LIVED was three-wide early then took back to tuck fifth at the ¼, led the outer charge to the second turn but couldn’t get close with the second move. MARION GONDOLIER was always far back. CELEBRITY MASERATI settled inside, then started to gap out 9/16.
NINTH RACE – IM A GIGOLO N raced up to the lead 3/16, go a breather most of quarter two then had to pick it up when the first-over came to fight hard, saw a lot of horses in position to threaten in the lane but kept going well with mild urging. MELODIES MAJOR moved second-over and gradually tightened in on cover down the back, three-wide midturn, raced very well. GLENGARRY KNIGHT N was first on top, yielded 3/16 for the two-hole, to the Pocono Pike, stayed close but didn’t have a sharp late move. NATIONAL SPIRIT started uncovered 3/8 and reached the winner just before the half, pushed that one very hard, held his ground well late. THE WALL raced third-in, couldn’t threaten late. MACH WEST followed cover third-over, not quite enough. WINDSONG JACK didn’t show much here. THEFREEDOMFIGHTERN broke w-a-y before the start, did well to reach the back of the pack before the half, but had no more to give.
TENTH RACE – ECLIPSE ME N was three-wide to turn one and in front 3/16, got a breather in quarter two and then stepped home in 55 – 27.1 all alone. PRAIRIEWESTERNGAL, occasionally a bit rough, was on top early then yielded for the two-hole, was able to retain second over SHOULDABEENATD. The latter took back early, stayed in, then was moving well in the Pocono Pike. DANCE CLUB was third-over and four-wide headstretch, closed very nicely. MONICA GALLAGHER was second-over, three-deep headstretch but didn’t have enough. CAVIART CHERIE popped out past the 5/8 but didn’t offer all that much.
ELEVENTH RACE – SWEET ROCKIN GIA moved uncovered towards turn two, reached the leader 5/8 and continuously applied pressure, made the lead early stretch and was a fine winner. LATE NIGHT DATE A made the lead but soon yielded for the pocket, moved outside before headstretch and then wide, good finishing speed. BOLT OF BEAUTY was third-over, three-wide midturn, moving well late. JUXTA COWGIRL yielded early but was on the move 3/16 to reclaim the lead, got a soft half but then had to step it up as the winner challenged hard, not enough late. I’M VERY SPECIAL was third-in, clear early stretch, OK. PAIGE’S GIRL never made her presence felt. SUNDAY AFTERNOON moved second-over, gapped a little down the back and then more in the last quarter. TRAFFIC JAM was not in the main action.
TWELFTH RACE – LENWOODS REAL DEAL spotted midpack 3/16, then on the move again into turn two, reached the leader 5/8, got a small lead ¾ but couldn’t clear around the turn, good and got the job done despite a hard trip. ARTACHE HANOVER was third-over, wide headstretch and finished nicely. BURNING MIDNIGHT had great cover behind the winner but struggled to stay with it, fair late. DOC SEMALU had an excess of cover, ducked between horses to headstretch but was shut off and had to switch to behind the place horse, steadily. LORD OF MISRULE made the lead and yielded, stayed in, was blocked far turn, came clear in the Pocono Pike past early stretch and finished OK. SWEET TALKIN SATIN quarter-moved but had to be rocked to clear past the 3/8, was headed ¾, did keep the winner out around the turn before fading. BRANDON HANOVER gapped badly early backstretch, got closer but not a major factor. MYIDEALSON N sat in, never came clear. HEREHECOMESAROCKIN was parked past the 1/8 for command, extended a brusher just past the 3/8 before yielding for the pocket, came up empty in the stretch.
THIRTEENTH RACE – GIVENUPDREAMING was parked just past the ¼ to take over, yielded, let the pacesetter streak away as he patiently shifted to a better gear, made up serious ground the last 3/16, took over past early stretch and drew away. SOMEBEACH BARON quarter-moved to 3/8 command and immediately opened up a huge lead, but the winner methodically cut into that in the last split, still quite clear of the rest. ROCK THREE TIMES sat in, went to the Pocono Pike and got to a distant third. WARRAWEE VELOCE went around a gapper but showed little else. PROVEN DESIRE was the first on top, yielded just past the ¼, fell back in the last quarter. THE OTHER THREE had no impact in this event.
May 26, 2021 | Connors’ Comments
FIRST RACE – REGAL SON left, yielded for the pocket, had to wait for the Pocono Pike as the outside horses threatened, rallied quickly enough to defeat BLAZEN RIVER N. The latter was out third-over behind stagnant cover and was out three-wide from the 11/16 onward while steadily gaining, made the lead early stretch, just missed taking it all. BELL I NO looked like he was going to clear easily towards the 1/8 but had a few bad steps, regathered and made the top 3/16, set the pace with pressure from the 5/8, not enough. WAGON MASTER started uncovered into turn two, made a big rush in a personal 26.4 third quarter, reached the leader 5/8 and was at his throat the rest of the way, outkicked. NATIVE’S SWEETLOU couldn’t reach from last. ROCKIN INTHE HILLS gapped second-over. STICK WITH CRAMER had some early speed but never factored thereafter.
SECOND RACE – LOVE THE ACTION went to command before the 3/16, made the favorite work for the lead before yielding for the two-hole, outside headstretch and went on steadily for a fine victory. WHITE HAIR ROCKS was first on top then yielded, came up the Pocono Pike and gave a good accounting of himself. SCOTT ROCKS quarter-moved from third, was rocked to make the lead before turn two, briefly opened up a clear lead at the ¾ and early turn, but got a little weary late. BRAVO TEX N was third-over, three-wide just past midturn, finished well. TULLOW N stayed in from last, deep Pocono Pike, fair. KEYSTONE STEAM was uncovered before turn two, never really threatened the leader before fading some. SWEET N FAST N was second-over, accepted the blindswitch past midturn, not all that much late.
THIRD RACE – CONSUS VICTORY was three-wide to the 1/8 and got the front just past the point, set a fast pace at 58-1, then made the lead stand up to the wire. MYSTICAL WYNN stayed in, got to the Pocono Pike as the two-in and three-in both fanned wide, steadily. NOTHING BUT MUSCLE left, was looped, paused when a foe broke, tucked third off the first turn, came out 5/8 but went right back in, fanned wide again headstretch, one-geared. HOT SUMMER KNIGHT left, got the pocket as an early challenger broke, out for the stretch, fair. TRUEMASS VOLO had cover, was best of the rest. MASSIVE OPULENCE gained a little bit late. ANDOVERS TOUCH was never a factor. CRAZYCAT moved outside, briefly got cover, was going to go three-wide when that one proved sluggish but could get to two-wide as the sluggish one retucked, little. SHESWILDNFREE left between horses and had made the pocket just past the 1/8 and just before breaking.
FOURTH RACE – YANKEE ROLLER A was three-wide leaving then two-wide to 3/16 command, yielded but retook 3/8, got pressure down the back but shook that one off and won easily. HEISMAN PLAYER was between horses and looped at the 1/8, went on to the lead off turn one, yielded for the pocket, came out in the stretch, lost a little ground but was the only one staying reasonably close. ISLANDSPECIALMAJOR came inside the trouble at the half, held on for third. HORSING AROUND started uncovered into turn one, was bothered by the breaking horse and never regained the needed ground; BULLVILLE TERROR and INDICTABLE HANOVER were also badly bothered. EGOMANIA was urged leaving, came uncovered down the back and made a 26.4 challenge, but was fading most of the last ¼. P L MUNSON made a bad break at the half, then lost his driver.
FIFTH RACE – MISTER BOINGA was three-wide to the first turn to command past the 1/8, trotted both halves in 57 as a good winner. CEFFYL DWR sat a pocket trip, edged out headstretch but got a wheel under CAPITAL T STORM causing that one to go offstride, finished well, but was placed for causing interference. BELIEVER came out ¾ behind cover, wide in the stretch as a foe went offstride, had good trot at the end. CLANCY’S BAR stayed inside, not quite enough. SPUNKIN’SROCKETMAN moved out ¾ but couldn’t get into the main battle. PREACHER MAN was away slowly and was always at the back. CAPITAL T STORM moved uncovered 5/8 and challenged, still in contention for a large share when bothered just into the stretch and suffered an “ix.”
SIXTH RACE – Wind has diminished some … BAUTISTA went right down the road, went 27.2 down the back to tire out the opposition, drew clear in the last ¼. GRAPPLE HANOVER rode in the pocket, stayed close until just past the ¾, held off STEUBEN HANOVER for second. The latter was badly looped and three-wide early, worked up to third 3/16, moved out again just past the ¾ but wasn’t able to rally for the deuce. HEAT WAVE HANOVER got around slow starters to tuck third, stayed in, not nearly enough towards the end. BANK BOX TREASURE had to go three-wide early stretch to circle a horse with a problem, back inside, wide stretch, decent recovery. NEXTROUNDSONME also had the same difficulty, ducked in for the drive, OK late. LINDY’S BIG BANG started gapping going towards turn two. GUILTY DESIRE was rough before and after the start, moved outside but only dropped way back, came back with “b.e.”
SEVENTH RACE – Four different leaders from just before the pond in the stretch … best of all was SPORTS TEXT, who made a delayed early move to pick a 5-tuck 3/16, then was third-over, three-wide with cover late turn, wider and just up in the last step. URBAN RENEWAL was second-over, three-wide ¾ as his cover started to falter, closed steadily, got the lead in the shadow of the wire only to be just passed. WAR-N-MUNN left, gained command past the 1/8, yielded to the retaker to sit the two-hole, Pocono Pike, to the lead in midstretch, just failed to hold. BLOW A CLOUD N made two speed moves and put up sprightly numbers, held well. BARNABAS was fourth-over, tried a three-wide move 11/16, did gain, but not enough. JANAID was in a blindswitch on the turn, slow to clear between horses in the lane, OK. ALWAYS THE SUN was not part of the main picture. CLASS SIX was uncovered at the half, weakened little by little in the last ¼.
EIGHTH RACE – WHISKEY BLU was looped while three-wide to the 1/8, then two-wide to command 5/16, pushed a challenger then yielded just past the ½ to sit the two-hole, outside early stretch and was handled confidently, going by with a couple of taps. TYPE A tucked in fourth, then was on the move as the winner went to the lead but needed until just past a fast half to get the front and get inside, went on to a good ¾, tried hard but came up just shy (first start of year). TOP ME OFF got forward position, came back out 5/8, not in the league of the top two but was very game to beat the rest for third. JACK FIRE sat in, finished OK (as the pace slowed) in the Pocono Pike. ROBBIE PEV was second-over past the 5/8 but couldn’t work into the main mix. THE IRISHMAN was four-wide leaving, got the front at the 1/8, yielded 5/16, inside, tired. INCENTIVE never factored. TRUFFLES TOO misbehaved going to turn one.
NINTH RACE – Wind has picked up some … CAPTAIN HILL set the pace with two moves, tired them out with a 26.4 third quarter and was an easy winner. A REAL MIRACLE was second-over behind a horse who never reached the winner, wide into the lane and finished nicely. BAMSKI was away third, gapped third-inside down the back, got to the Pocono Pike and was next in line. DARTH FADER started uncovered just before the half but couldn’t get to the winner in the 26.4 third quarter, fair. LOUD SPLASH gapped third-over, then found better strides in the stretch. VALIANT IVY went to the top past the 1/8, yielded for the two-hole. stayed fairly close a long way then had nothing more to give. BUSBOY HANOVER gapped at the back.
TENTH RACE – SUNNY CROCKETT yielded then quarter-moved, got a moderate pace, well in control of these. ETHAN T HANOVER came through at the start, in command 3/16 then relinquished for the two-hole trip, lost ground late but enough to retain second. INAMINUTE HANOVER came out soon off the second turn, got cover past the 5/8, three-wide past midturn but drifted wider, finished very well once straightened away. NEW LEGACY used the inside to get a decent payday. TART TONGUE sat third, was laboring to keep up the last 3/16. TRICKY DICK started raw just past the 5/8, but his bid didn’t amount to much. WORLD BANK was not a major player.
ELEVENTH RACE – POINTS NORTH left and had cover behind a quick early duel, left raw off the first turn and needed until the other end of the frontstretch to clear, never took his foot of the gas, game winner. ALLUNEEDISFAITH N was out past the ¼ for the lead, pushed then yielded towards turn two, went from the pocket to the Pocono Pike, good effort but did not get by. STONE HANOVER was second-over, three-wide ¾ and around the tiring first-over until two-wide raw late turn, another right in the fight to the end. VETTEL N moved three-wide from third-over, left without cover late turn, steadily. REBELLIOUS did not factor after an inner journey. AINTNOBETTOR A and HICKFROMFRENCHLICK never entered the main picture. BLOOD LINE pushed past a fast quarter, yielded, back out again raw before the 5/8, tired towards mid-far turn.
TWELFTH RACE – RESPECT OUR FLAG was very wide early, slotted in fifth 3/16, then second-over off the second turn, wide in the stretch and up in the last step. OLLIE’S Z TAM was by far the fastest away, forced a quick quarter then contented himself with the pocket, to the Pocono Pike and made the front midstretch, just failed. AFLAME HANOVER was looped and parked past a quick quarter, got a breather to the half but then stepped it up again, passed midstretch but tried hard to the line. CLOSING STATEMENT decided to tuck, uncovered at the ½, went his own third quarter in 26.2 and didn’t back off at all late. ALEX TYE kept a hole filled early, inside, deep in the Pike, not quite enough. JK MUSICMAN got the outer tier started and was third-over, gapped down the back. THE LAST TWO were the last two at every call.
THIRTEENTH RACE – Wind has diminished again … SPLASH BROTHER landed the early pocket then quarter-moved, increased the speed past the half and lost his opposition, then came home in 26.3 very easily. CURIOUS CORTEZ went on to the front 3/16, yielded, sat the pocket, gave ground inch by inch in the 54 – 26.3 back fractions but was still clearly second. PRINCE OF TIDES left some, maintained third after staying inside. LETS ROLL tried to roll raw past the 5/8 but couldn’t gain into these fractions. GENTLEMANJIM II IE gapped inside. CAPTAIN CASH slotted in 3/16, moved outside 9/16, then couldn’t go with cover. BLACKLIGHT never was in the hunt. HP NAPOLEON broke early, caught the back of the field, but never was in the main action.
FOURTEENTH RACE – NO MAS DRAMA was three-wide past the 1/8 then tucked, moved with cover 3/8 which she lost before the half to a break, battled the leader in a 27.2 third panel and went by before midturn, very impressive. AFTER ALL PAUL quarter-moved, came under pressure but that foe broke, then got the pressure from the winner and yielded the lead towards mid-turn, held in there well. THE LIONKING AS was parked to near the 5/16 for the lead, yielded, gapped the dueling duo 5/8, edged MISS MCKEE for a distant third. The latter moved out but gapped the winner, steadily but not enough. GREAT UNKNOWN was outside, crossed the wire with steady trot. PAPI HANOVER was inside, did not factor. TWO AM was never close. HATIKVAH was racing inside when breaking not long into the backstretch. WITH OUT A DOUBT went to the early lead, saw two go by and charged out again raw past the 3/8, but broke on turn two.
May 23, 2021 | Connors’ Comments
FIRST RACE – GET LIT was three-wide headed to the 1/8 and needed past a fast quarter until the 5/16 to go from two-wide to the lead, yielded early on the backstretch to the big brusher but stayed tight, outside late turn and gradually reclaimed the lead. MCNEIL Z TAM got early position, angled outside headstretch, finished well to win the photo for second. MAKE IT COME TRUE went to the lead at the 1/8 and pushed the winner past the fast quarter, sat in, got access to the Pocono Pike, almost made place. BEACH FIRE K came burning uncovered on the second turn and quickly stepped around the winner down the back, paced his own third quarter in 26.1, but could not sustain to the finish. CAPTAIN KEEN was not heard from. ALWAYS ON THE HUNT was left uncovered midbackstretch, never reached; BOURBONS COURAGE, behind him, also never factored.
SECOND RACE – ARCHETTO HANOVER was in third before the 1/8, kept up with the pocket horse as the leader set wild fractions, outside ¾ and inched closer, just had enough to prevail over BUGGER BRUISER. The latter went into the pocket towards turn one, gapped when the leader threw a 27 third quarter but then gradually got tighter, inside in the stretch, may’ve been bottomed behind the fast fractions, just failed. WISE IMAGE was taking no prisoners, tried to steal it with a 27 third quarter but couldn’t hold on after the big fractions. REASONABLE FORCE went around the rest. ARTACUS and HUGH HEFNER N never were in the hunt. AMERICA FIRST was gapping by the ¼ and fell far back.
THIRD RACE – A BLUE BLOOD was wide to early command, yielded in front of the stands for the two-hole, went to the Pocono Pike and won a four-way fight. SNOWFALLA had the early pocket, pulled out 11/16 and gained gradually, game to take second on the wire. BELLA CLAIRE was looped, tucked third briefly then quarter-moved, rated the pace, couldn’t quite hold her advantage to the wire. SALT AND VINEGAR moved to deep in the Pike and had some gain. GOLD STONES moved uncovered to the 5/8 but couldn’t keep up when receiving cover 11/16. NONE OF THE OTHERS exhibited much punch from the rear.
FOURTH RACE – SWEETONTHEBEACH went right to the lead, yielded to the brushing favorite to sit the two-hole, moved outside early stretch and went by authoritatively. MORROCKIN K was third early then launched a quarter-move, slowed the half then sped things up, under no pressure until the winner came calling, can’t hold off that one. SIRI BLUE CHIP left, took the early pocket 3/16, used the Pocono Pike and was gaining in the battle for second. SNUF ENUF HANOVER sat in and gapped some, went evenly deep in the Pike. ITALIA SEELSTER tucked fourth, moved uncovered 5/8, had a little gain to the ¾, then evenly thereafter. BROOKDALE JESSIE didn’t get into the fight after an inside trip. THE OTHERS were behind dull cover, couldn’t circle around it.
FIFTH RACE – CELEBRITY SERENA was looped at the 1/8 and kept three-wide to the 5/16, then two-wide to command past the 3/8, still going well late despite the rough early journey. ER BEN came up the inside down the backstretch, angled out midstretch and was along for second. LIGHTS COME ON circled up three-wide to the 1/8 for the lead, had two outside him, got one to tuck then yielded to the other past the 3/8, but it was “LIGHTS”and not the opponent who tired, couldn’t hold second late. TW LAUXMONT was third-over, three-wide with cover on the turn, four-wide headstretch and maybe a bit wider as the three-wide broke, finished well on the far outside. BIG MONEY HONEY picked up the rest in the slackening pace. CHOCOTURE was always well out of it. CON AIR HALL was looped and between horses until going to the pylons 5/16, came back out of turn two, didn’t get to the winner’s wheel then fell back. ZOOMING was second-over, swung three-wide and was in contention when breaking off the far turn.
SIXTH RACE – STORM BRINGER was quickly to the lead, rated the half then had an open-length advantage the rest of the way. KASEVILLE took the pocket, loose of the winner down the back but still held to be a clear second. COUNT CHOCALOT tucked fourth then was third as a foe broke, moved outside headstretch, couldn’t gain but held third over a pair. CAPITAL T STORM moved second-over, gapped early backstretch then tighter and three-wide to the ¾ but a little rough, evenly. FATHER OF IRELAND stayed in, evenly. BARKEEPER gapped some. PREACHER MAN was underway raw not too much past the 3/8 but saw his bid start to evaporate 11/16. CIRCUIT PARTY broke before the 5/8. DYNAMITE VOLO was looped and two-wide until nearing the ¼, where he made a misstep.
SEVENTH RACE – UNCONTROLLABLE was reserved until the 5/8 then came out raw, quickly moved to challenge and got the lead on the turn, came home in 27.1 well clear of the rest. MAKE MY DEO left and took over before the 3/16, yielded a like distance later, was stuck in on the far turn when the winner went by the former leader, then cleared to the Pocono Pike and did well for second. AIR GUITAR made two speed moves to the 3/8, rated the half, no match for the winner on the turn, not enough sprint late to retain second. BUD TRUCK tucked third, struggled to keep up from off the second turn. MOONLIGHT SHADOW never entered into it. JASPER HANOVER moved out but couldn’t begin to match the winner’s speed. SIR LOVEALOT BC retucked around THE OTHER TWO, not prominent. The latter two were distanced without breaking.
EIGHTH RACE – More traffic than the first turn has seen in quite a while … NIGHTLIFE SEELSTER was six-wide heading to the first turn and fully four-wide almost all (!) of the 27 quarter, finally made the lead past the 3/8, but despite the brutal early first quarter he opened a big lead and was coasting at the wire. CARRINGTON was third-over and looked to be going all he could to stay with two- and three-wide cover, four-wide in the stretch and up for second with a good late response. MORE THAN KUTE, urged leaving but unresponsive and taken back, moved second-over, three-wide ¾ through the turn, outkicked for the deuce. SUNRISE HANOVER was three-wide almost to the 1/8 before taking back, was fourth-over, ducked to midtrack in the stretch and finished with pace. LOOKING SANTASTIC was five-wide early and three-wide to the ¼, then went on to get the lead 5/16, yielded and sat the pocket, gradually backed off in the last 3/16. TWIN B CHIT CHAT was four-wide early and then two-deep to quarter command, yielded, stuck in behind the tired pocketsitter, but didn’t have too much when clear in the Pocono Pike. CLASSICA never factored. DELIGHTFUL SUMMER used the rail to keep all sorts of horses parked most of the quarter, yielded, moved raw on the second turn and got to the leader’s wheel before the ¾, but no closer, then fell back.
NINTH RACE – CAVIART EMMA was in the early battle, saw one foe break and yielded to the other to sit the pocket, got to the Pocono Pike, put in a rough step or two then got in a higher gear and came through for the victory. TOCCOA FALLS was uncovered at the half, briefly offstride before the 5/8 and went three-wide, then quickly regathered and got back to two-wide and challenging, fought very hard to the wire; an inquiry into her break found no need for placing. CIRCLE OF LIFE AS left between horses, was looped past the 1/8 and continued on, saw the first looper break before the ¼, went on to take the lead, under pressure, gave way some. CHING CHING LUCKY did not factor after an inside trip. BLACK TIE BASH was third-over, three-wide headstretch, fair. EVANNA was second-over, briefly left uncovered when her cover broke but then saw that cover come back and loop her before the ¾, soon was falling back. CHOCOLATE MATTERS and GRAN PARAISO never featured. SEVEN NATION ARMY was three-wide to the 1/8, looped a foe and went up to challenge two-wide, may have been getting the advantage when breaking just before the ¼.
TENTH RACE – GRAY DRAGON went away well to sit the pocket behind BEST IN SHOW again, came up the inside and gradually worked by that tough rival. The latter went to the top at the 1/8 and just rolled on the lead, outsprinted but again good. TRU LOU maintained third early, inside, OK in the dash home. BLU CREW looked at leaving but took back, went uncovered 9/16, kept inching up until early stretch. VIRGIN STORM moved second-over but gapped. THE OTHER DUO were near the back and couldn’t work into the race.
ELEVENTH RACE – BETTOR OF THE WEST came through and forced a tuck, slowed the half, then was firmly in control in the 54.3 back half. SOUTHBEACH HANOVER was actually first to show but didn’t have the geometrical advantage and reluctantly settled back into the pocket nearing the ¼, couldn’t go with the winner late. MAGNUM MOON gapped slightly midbackstretch, outside in the lane and did OK+. NUTTIN BUT FINESSE found a midpack tuck 3/16, sat in, next. BOLTMAN couldn’t go this much late. SOME DEAL HANOVER landed third early, came out in pursuit of second mid-far turn but broke headstretch. ROUTHLAND was behind the cover of GRATEFUL KISS, who gained raw on turn two but soon stooped gaining as the speed picked up. WHITE BELLY was far back when he broke midturn.
TWELFTH RACE – MAGNIFICENT SEVEN came out second-over 5/8, gapped a little but got closer on the turn, left it until very late to hit a winning gear but edged by late. CAN’T SAY NO briefly took the pocket then was on the move at the ¼ for the lead, came under heavy pressure 11/16, lasted a long way. KING ALPHONSO went raw 5/8 and took it to the leader around the far turn, weakened only slightly. SVF BLUSHINGBRIDE initially got a foe to tuck then let that one go when he tried for the lead again, in the pocket, spent most of the stretch angling gradually wider, finished with trot. PETER’S EXPRESS was third-over, steadily. AP HALL OF TRIX couldn’t keep up in the last quarter. DIVINE SPIRIT looked at leaving but decided to take back, broke going to the ¼.
THIRTEENTH RACE – GONNAHAVEONEMORE went to the top at the 1/8, rolled on, came to even terms with CAPTIVATE HANOVER before midstretch but found some more to edge that one. The latter started uncovered 5/8 and speed-grinded home in 54.3, as noted got to even terms with the winner but couldn’t summon that little bit more. TERRY A HANOVER left well but decided to yield to sit the pocket, Pocono Pike, outdueled the rest of the field for third. MOVE THE LINE worked up second-over, steadily. AMAZON was third-in, to the deep Pike, not quite enough. KYUQUOT sat in, backed out headstretch and went widest, finished well.
FOURTEENTH RACE – TURNTHEFROWNAROUND moved raw off turn two, came her back half in 54.4, fought with the pacesetting ROSE RUN VICTORIA from the 11/16, was handled confidently going by her late. The latter was inside in a three-way early duel, backed off 3/16 but then brushed to the lead when the last outside leaver cleared, went on at a good pace with the winner hounding her the last 5/16, held very well. BETSEA went on between horses to the lead near the ¼, yielded, stayed in, stuck behind a tired one inside on the turn, just along for the distant third. PETTYCOAT BUSINESS was wide early then got behind cover, tucked fifth to the 3/16, then was second-over but could not go with her cover. LAURIE LEE was third-over but gapped a gapper, still got a check. SOMEBEACHSOMEFRA was three-wide almost all of the ¼, went on to the lead then yielded for the two-hole, couldn’t keep up 11/16. EMMA was not heard from. SURE R LOOKIN GOOD never factored.
May 23, 2021 | Connors’ Comments
FIRST RACE – Warm day … POND JUMPER was wide leaving, to two-wide past the 1/8 and went on to take over 3/8, trotted away from these from before the ¾. JUST MAYBE THE ONE stayed in third, blocked on the far turn behind the fading pocketsitter, waited for the Pocono Pike and then came along as a clear second. BIG SMOOVE backed out to second-over, three-wide late turn, along for third. SHADY MCCOY tucked early, blocked early turn then swung wide, finished OK. SIR JOHN F was uncovered on turn two, trotted in 27.4 down the back but couldn’t reach the winner, faded in tandem with the pocketsitting CIMERONKEN. The latter made the lead then yielded to the winner, couldn’t keep up nearing the ¾. WILLY MOUSE gapped down the backstretch. JUSTICE JET was away slowly then made a break due to equipment failure. MEETMEINTHEMIDDLE went offstride coming off the turn before the start.
SECOND RACE – POLAK A had the front at the 1/8 in a good quarter, continued on stringing the field out, had enough to resist the insistent JEREMES GENERAL. The latter was forwardly-placed early, gapped most of the third quarter then got tighter and in gear outside on the turn, just missed taking it all. BAYONET stayed fairly close behind the fast fractions of the pacesetter, to the Pocono Pike but couldn’t gain. BIG GAME HUNTER left a big gap to the 5/8, then went outside and lost ground, still found some comeback as the pace slowed late. NEWS WATCH stayed in, moved right a lane in the stretch, evenly. HES GONE BADDER did not figure in this one. ALL ABOUT RUSTY was never close. BIG TURN ON took back early, never in the hunt thereafter. LULU DE VIE started slowly, broke on the far turn.
THIRD RACE – LINNEA HANOVER was on the lead throughout setting the pace as she pleased, won easily. KISS AN ANGEL sat third, moved out towards the ¾ and retucked in the pocket past midturn, finished well, way ahead of the others. PRAIRIE TRINKET gapped in quarter two, moved out at a distance down the back, just took third ahead of RUNINOUTOFRSNTORUN. The latter had to wait for the show horse to go by on the turn before circling the fading pocket horse, couldn’t quite catch that one for show. MOODY BLUE broke early, recovered for a check. SNICKERS BLUE CHIP took the two-hole before the 3/16, tired to the ¾ and stopped to a jog in the stretch. AMBERS CHAMPION broke 5/16. TWO PIECE TANLINES showed first when the gate sprang but broke going forward.
FOURTH RACE – JESSICAS BEACH BOY let a fast opponent go then proceeded up to the lead 3/16, yielded to a brusher 3/8 and sat in the two-hole, bore out in the stretch but still had enough to get by SHIP WRECK BEACH K. The latter quarter-moved to 3/8 command, fought off the first-over, couldn’t stall the winner but did hold second over PLAY THERAPY. The latter circled to the lead before the 1/8, yielded, stayed in, Pocono Pike, had a clear path but couldn’t quite make it. HOLY MOMENT was third-over, next in line. DANCING TINA sat in, little left late. SINFULLY DELICIOUS was second-over and advanced behind the cover, three-wide midturn, not much late. FATHER FRED was uncovered into turn two and made a nice 27.2 move to go after the leader, but that move depleted his resources.
FIFTH RACE – BIG IDEA gapped in the pocket from past the 1/8 until just past the half (despite a 31 second quarter) then tightened in, outside 5/8 and went right past the leader, won by himself. BOTTLE ROCKET closed a hole 3/16, inside, blocked as the pacesetter tired, to the Pocono Pike and had a good response once clear. JIM ROCKS came uncovered off turn two, didn’t reach his cover and went on raw, distant third over A B COLLINS. The latter moved out ¾, went three-wide midturn, flattened a bit. CHEESEHEAD squeezed between horses late. DUSTUP HANOVER was on top from PP8 before the first turn and had a big lead most of the way past the half, but was reeled in late backstretch, backed up. LOST MY LIGHT tried to leave but had to take back, not heard from again. BARSTOOLSPORTS offered little.
SIXTH RACE – ARCHIBALD left three-wide to gain command just past the 1/8, went huge fractions for bottom trotters and successfully bottomed out the field. MUSKINGUM left well to secure the pocket, came out in the stretch but couldn’t catch the winner. BUTTER TOFFEE slid into the 3-hole at the 1/8, kept pace with the top two until fairly late, ahead of the others. KATKIN AND COKE moved outside from far back and picked up the rest. NICE STUFF moved out before the 5/8 to clear a gapper but took a long time to do so, next. I’LLALWAYSBEBACK started gapping past the ¼ and was asked to keep up, went inside pylons on turn two, never got close, then placed for the pylons violation. THE REMAINING THREE had little to offer (though it was a fast mile for this type).
SEVENTH RACE – HIGHVIEW CONALL N came out down the back and went three-wide 5/8 to loop up to two-wide 11/16, kept narrowing in on CASH IS KING and caught him very late. The latter made two speed moves, slowed the half then picked it up, fought hard to the end. REGAL HOPE got a forward spot, backed out past midturn as the pocket horse gave way, clear third. HEEZ ORL BLACK N was pushed to a very fast quarter to get the top, yielded for the two-hole, couldn’t keep up the last ¼. APP HANOVER moved uncovered at the half, looped past the 5/8 and never entered the main picture. CHANCELLORCULLEN N gapped early, backed off ¾. THE OTHERS were always well off the action.
EIGHTH RACE – MADDYS LEADING MAN was just off the three-ply early fight, then moved just past the ¼ to the top, clear on the lead the last half and looked safe despite TUFF TO BE LINDY making up late ground. The latter was the innermost of the three leavers, saw the middle one break and let the outermost one take the lead, popped back outside 11/16, never closer to the winner the last quarter than at the wire. WILLIS THE MAN got a midpack spot early, inside, with decent trot in the Pocono Pike. TEST YOUR MAGIC was three-wide almost to the ¼ then made the lead, yielded to sit the two-hole behind the winner, started going loose ¾. MY SON TY HANOVER came out raw to the 5/8, got cover 11/16, initially gapped it, then went three-wide late far turn to try to get around it, but couldn’t muster enough. TSM PRINCE TRISTAN moved outside ¾ but couldn’t get into the main argument. ENDYMION couldn’t rally enough; nor could GAVINATOR. CHECK MY SCORE left between horses and was two-hole contending for command when breaking towards the ¼.
NINTH RACE – BET LIGHT grabbed the pocket to the first turn, pulled out 3/4 and challenged, made the lead to headstretch, enough to hold off these rivals despite a30 kicker. CHANEL BEACH was third-over, wide and grabbed second in front of STORMY PLACE on the line. The latter got in fourth past the 1/8, gapped the second quarter and into the backstretch, then in gear raw before the 11/16, picked up cover ¾, outpaced late. ODDS ON CARLY was far back, then had an excess of cover, ducked in and was steered through a couple of seams in the lane while gaining. RAINBOW RISING also had a lot of cover, was widest into the stretch, then did better when steering to the center of the track midstretch. KIANNA laid down the pace, rated split two, came under pressure ¾, tired and bore out headstretch. DASH ONE was not a factor. SIGNIFICANT OTHER sat third-in then could advance to the pocket ¾, but had little to give late. TWIN B BEACHDREAMS was a gapping last when breaking past the ¾.
TENTH RACE – CLARION HALL took back to tuck past the 1/8, was fourth-in, had everything go his way and found room deep in the Pocono Pike, just up. STOP RESISTIN was four-wide to the 1/8, three-wide most of the ¼, then two-wide to the lead 5/16, went on with it, bore out a bit, almost lasted to the line but the pace caught him to him. HARNESS AM was three-wide to the 1/8 then two-wide most of the opener to the lead, yielded for the pocket, was a bit loose behind the fast pace, steered inside the drifting pacesetter, didn’t miss by much. THISISSHE was outleft and midpack, tucked past the 5/16 but was soon underway again, didn’t reach as the first-over, but kept one-gearing with tenacity. INAPERFECTWORLD pushed the early pace and yielded, inside, Pocono Pike, not all that much late. TRY TRY AGAIN swung way wide from far back midstretch, gained well although the tempo was slowing. TRIUMPHANT’S CHIP was outside with little. LUCKY MATTER swung wide off cover ¾ but couldn’t make up ground. PUERTO RICO gapped at the back.
ELEVENTH RACE – CRAZY COOL went to the top, pushed a foe just past the 3/8 before yielding, came back out nearing the ¾ and went by on the turn, paced out well. ALTHEA had some speed, came out 11/16, soon got cover and then soon lost it, good second well clear of the rest. AILEY HANOVER sat in, split horses upper stretch, just along for third over BYGONE HANOVER. The latter joined the outer flow, evenly in the lane. BETTER BID HANOVER went up early to challenge, got a mite rough past the 1/8, came out of the first turn wide, finally on the point just past the 3/8, surrendered without a fight ¾ and fell back. DIXIE CHICK was last, three-wide before midturn when making a break.
TWELFTH RACE – MUSHANA was wide early, got to two-wide past the 1/8 and to the lead past the ¼, set the pace, tiring very late but retained a winning margin. TSM PHOTO BUGGER was briefly three-wide early then got to the lead, yielded to the winner just past the ¼, didn’t make up much ground on that one until very late. WILLIE B WORTHY had some speed, came up the inside in the stretch, a little bit shy. BRONZE YANKEE was second-over, a little trot as the pace slowed. ITSONLYMONEYHONEY was two-wide leaving, tucked, came back out raw at the half, never really threatened before fading some. ICINGON DE CUPCAKE couldn’t get into the action from third-over. FRAC didn’t factor after an inside trip. CARTIER ZETTE had a touch of trot widest. PHANTOM RUSTY never featured.
THIRTEENTH RACE – NO DRAMA PLEASE left some, gapped a bit midrace then moved outside ¾, steadily gained on the pacesetting BLENHEIM and went by that one deep stretch. The latter moved through at the start, kept a foe parked past the half, opened a clear lead on the far turn, just missed holding the advantage to the finish. SEVEN IRON gained some as the pace slowed. EXPLOSIVE MAGIC was looped and two-wide, settled in the pocket, couldn’t keep up ¾. GEMOLOGIST was four-wide early, had cover most of the ¼, then was out in the air, challenged but couldn’t clear, in retreat to the 5/8. GREEK LEGEND broke past the ¼.
FOURTEENTH RACE – DILLINGER was very quickly on top, rated the half then strung the field out to the ¾, had horses coming at him from both sides in the stretch but kept it together. BARRYWHITE HANOVER sat third, moved out with cover on the turn then wide in the lane, found his best gear just a little too late. BIG TEDDY sat the pocket, outside ¾, right in the fight to the line. FLIGHT ONEFORTYSIX stayed in, got to the Pocono Pike, didn’t miss by very much. OCTAVE raced inside, evenly late. RIGHT IDEA gapped 5/8. DOWNTHEROAD Z TAM broke coming off the turn before the start. RIPPLESONTHEBEACH jumped 100 feet before the start.
